New changes announced for Ironman World Championship lottery

KONA, HAWAII (HawaiiNewsNow) - Athletes who want to enter the Ironman World Championship lottery can now do so for free, the Florida-based organization announced Thursday.

The drawing – open to legal residents of Hawaii -- will offer 44 slots for the triathlon, 24 of which will be awarded to Big Island residents. Residents can enter the new drawing for free between May 31 to June 5. Earlier this month, Ironman said it forfeited nearly $3 million that it got from paid lotteries. In previous years, those hoping to participate in the race had to pay a $50 fee.

To ensure their health and safety, winners of the drawing will be required to show proof that they have completed a triathlon – consisting of at least a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run – between Oct. 11, 2014 and Aug. 23, 2015. They must show proof by Aug. 25, 2015.